Consuming dark chocolate with a high cocoa content in moderation can help prevent heart disease by supplying antioxidants and minerals. However, it could also have a lot of calories and sugar. Nutrient-rich dark chocolate has a good impact on your health. One of the finest sources of antioxidants available is made from the cocoa tree’s seed.
Dark chocolate can enhance your health and reduce your risk of heart disease, according to studies.
These are Scientifically Proven Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate
- Very nourishing
It is highly nutritious if you get high-quality dark chocolate with a high cocoa content.
It is rich in minerals and has a respectable level of soluble fibre.
Reliable Source states that a 100-gram bar of dark chocolate with 70–85% cocoa content contains:
- 11 grammes of fibre
- 66% of the daily value
- 57% of the daily value
- 196% of the DV for manganese and 85% of the DV for copper
It also contains an abundance of zinc, selenium, phosphorus, and potassium. Of course, 100 grammes (3.5 ounces) is a substantial quantity, and you shouldn’t be eating it every day. Together with 600 calories, these nutrients have a moderate sugar content. Dark chocolate is therefore best enjoyed in moderation.
Dark chocolate and cocoa both have an excellent fatty acid profile. Stearic acid, palmitic acid, and oleic acid—a heart-healthy fat also present in olive oil—make up the majority of the fats.
The effect of stearic acid on bodily cholesterol is neutral. Though only accounting for one-third of total fat calories, palmitic acid has the ability to elevate cholesterol levels.
Although theobromine and caffeine are also present in dark chocolate, the relatively low caffeine content makes it unlikely to keep you up at night.
- Potent antioxidant source
Organic chemicals found in dark chocolate are abundant and have biological activity, serving as antioxidants. Among these are flavanols, catechins, and polyphenols. When paired with other foods like cocoa and almonds, research suggests that the polyphenols in dark chocolate may help reduce some types of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol (3Trusted Source).
In one study, the antioxidant activity, polyphenol content, and flavanol content of cocoa and dark chocolate were higher than those of any other fruit studied, including acai and blueberries.
- May decrease blood pressure and increase blood flow.
Nitric oxide production by the endothelium, the lining of arteries, can be induced by the flavonoids in dark chocolate. Sending messages to the arteries to relax is one of NO’s roles in lowering blood pressure by lowering blood flow resistance. Although the effects are usually moderate, numerous controlled studies have demonstrated that dark chocolate and cocoa can enhance blood flow and reduce blood pressure.
Take this with a grain of salt, though, as one study in individuals with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure found no effect. It’s possible that those who are currently taking medication to lower their blood pressure won’t benefit in any way from include cocoa flavanols in their diet.
- Increases HDL and prevents oxidation of LDL
A number of significant heart disease risk factors can be improved by consuming dark chocolate. It might offer defence against elevated cholesterol. Eating dark chocolate with the flavanol lycopene added showed a substantial reduction in total and bad cholesterol levels in a short trial.
Oxidation is the result of some forms of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol interacting with free radicals within your body. The LDL particle itself becomes reactive due to oxidation, and it can harm other tissues like the lining of your heart’s arteries.
The fact that cocoa reduces LDL types that are prone to oxidation makes perfect sense. It is loaded with potent antioxidants that enter the bloodstream and shield lipoproteins from oxidative damage.
A large body of research suggests that cocoa has several health benefits, with heart disease protection being one of its main advantages.
This does not, of course, imply that you should overindulge in chocolate on a daily basis. It’s still quite high in calories and simple to overindulge in.
Perhaps try to savour one or two squares after supper. Try creating a hot cocoa without any cream or sugar if you want to enjoy the health advantages of cocoa without the calories.
Furthermore take note of the fact that most chocolate available today is not healthful.
